eVTOL Bidirectional Charging for Controlled Battery Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft lack effective energy source solutions, particularly in bidirectional energy transfer capabilities between aircraft and charging stations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for bidirectional charging that allows an electric aircraft to discharge its power source to a charging station, exceeding a predetermined discharge level, and obtain power data, facilitating power transfer between the aircraft and the grid, and enabling efficient energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the electric aircraft discharges its power source to the charging station exceeding a predetermined discharge level, then energy efficiency is improved and power data is obtained, but the reliability of the power source may be compromised due to deep discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives power data from the charging station after discharge and uses this feedback to monitor and manage the power source state. The system implements a feedback loop where discharge information is transmitted back to the controller, enabling intelligent decision-making about subsequent charging operations and power source management, thus balancing energy efficiency with reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the discharge parameter by allowing depth of discharge to exceed a predetermined level under controlled conditions. This parameter change enables deeper discharge for energy efficiency and data collection purposes while the controller manages the process to prevent permanent damage to the power source.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional charging capability is implemented, then adaptability of the energy system is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control and communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a charge provider and a data collection point. The same physical infrastructure supports bidirectional communication, power transfer, and power source testing functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems and thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the power source and the charging station, managing the bidirectional communication and control signals. This intermediary layer simplifies the interface complexity by centralizing the communication logic and providing a unified control point for all bidirectional operations.
3Measurement precision
If the power source is deeply discharged to obtain power data, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of energy increases due to the deep discharge cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary deep discharge to collect power data and characterize the power source before normal operation. By conducting this energy-intensive measurement process in advance, the system obtains accurate power source information that can be used for optimized energy management during subsequent operations, reducing overall energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful effect of deep discharge (energy loss and potential damage) into a beneficial outcome by using the deep discharge event to collect valuable power data. The energy loss during deep discharge is framed as an investment in obtaining accurate power source characteristics that will improve overall system efficiency and prevent future energy waste.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient energy management and utilization by allowing the electric aircraft to discharge energy to the grid, mimicking load conditions during take-off and landing, and providing power data for fuel reserve requirements, thus enhancing energy efficiency and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a power source of the electric aircraft and configured to allow bidirectional charging with the charging station
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects relate to a system for discharging a power source of an electric aircraft. System may be configured to transfer power from the electric aircraft via a charging connection. In one or more embodiments, a charging station in electric communication with the power source may discharge the power source. For example, a controller communicatively connected to the electric aircraft may be configured to receive a supply request from a user and subsequently, generate a control signal that initiates a transfer of electrical power from the power supply to discharge the power source so that power data associated with the discharge may be collected and transmitted to the controller or a remote device of the user.